Celebrity Lagenlook: Helena Bonham Carter

Helena Bonham Carter is known for her marvelous acting career and partnership with Tim Burton. She's often photographed in highly stylized 'glamor shots', but a lot of the paparazzi shots* of her reveal a much more interesting style, and one I'd lump in with Lagenlook, though you could get nitpicky and say she's boho or romantic.

For instance, this one of her with Tim Burton:

I love the chunky boots. The bloomers are a classic lagenlook/boho/romantic touch. I like that these are shorter and show off the boots, and the hint of striped stockings. The top has a subtle pinstripe that's nice as well. Then she has about 15 bags and hats and water bottles and...not quite the look I'm after, but hey, she's a mom so she gets a pass on that.

Speaking of moms, hers is clearly a force to be reckoned with.

Nice European shoes, almost masculine, with tights. This outfit has a petticoat instead of bloomers. The top outfit is clearly an outfit, not layers, and it's cute. The asymmetrical design, volume, and nice fabric lands it solidly in Lagenlook land. The cap and scarf are a nice touch.


A lighter look:

The same petticoat with a light, loose summer dress and mid-weight jacket.

Another look:

Good stout boots, lovely light layered skirt with volume and asymmetrical and unexpected tucks, and a good jacket.


I think that the takeaway from HBC is that lagenlook can be a very wearable style. I often see it styled in stores or on websites with about 15 pieces layered up, and no one wants to look like a linen cupcake. I like that she combines the pieces with a structured jacket. I think that trims the figure and saves it from looking ragtag. She also needs to have size ten feet because I want all her shoes.

*The paparazzi. They are an evil swarm of midges who destroy lives and force celebrities into hiding. They are parasites of the worst sort. In this one case, I am glad to have pictures of HBC in her natural style.

Introduction

I've been seeing these gorgeous, romantic, and layered looks out for quite a while now, but it seems like the style is just exploding now! I'm thrilled with this. Right now there's so many layered styles out there that we can even subdivide the styles. There's European Lagenlook, American Lagenlook, Boho/Bohemian, Romantic, and Mori girl off the top of my head.

If you've never heard of half of those names, never fear. I'll be posting about all of them, with designers and links and styling ideas. For today though, I think I'll just put up a few great pieces.

Let's start with these gorgeous grey pinstripe trousers from Aproximat by Tatiana Palnitska.

Swoon.
These have so many great characteristics of European Lagenlook, which by the way is German for layered look. Neutral colors, high end fabric (most often linen), gorgeous detailing, and dimensional shape. I think I would take these to a tailor and have that upper pocket removed, because who needs bulk around the hips? It looks OK as is, but I think most people aren't going to wear these pants with a cropped shirt, but with a long tunic over it, and that's when the extra bulk from that pocket is going to go wrong. Alright, fine, I wouldn't take to to tailor, I'd just pick out the stitching myself!
These can be found here: Aproximat

This silk top would look lovely with them, by Magnolia Pearl:

It might be a hair too much grey, but it's a great setup for a big pop of color in a long narrow cardi or jacket. Any amazing necklace or scarf that you have would also pop against the neutral background.
This shirt is here: Magnolia Pearl at Lola Frocks

Now, speaking of Lola Frocks and a pop of color, here's a coat that would pop with that!:

Of course, you could jazz it up with something in coral or another bright color for spring, but I love a good burgundy. The coat is here: Lola Frocks

Alright, I'll be back soon with more layering goodies!